Mining machine



l oct. 9 1923. 1,470,571

M. HLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 30. 1918 2 Sheets-SheefI 1WI Q l I i K oct. 9, 1923. 1,470,571

M. P. HOLMES MINING MACHINE Original Filed March 30, 1918 2 Sheets-Sheet2 VIIIIIIIII`I/ //llll// Twill/lill@ vll/LII@ Patented Oct. 9, 1923.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

MORRIS P. HOLMES, OF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR T SULLIVANMACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION 0F MASSACHUSETTS.

MINING MACHINE Application led March 30, 1918, Serial No. 225,773.Renewed April 14, 1922. SerialiNc. 552,594.

To all whom it'may/ concern:

Be it known that I, MoRRIs P. HOLMES, a citizen of t-he United States,residing at Claremont, inthe county of Sullivan and State of NewHampshire, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in MiningMachines, of Iwhich the following is a full, clear, and exa-ctspecification.

My invention relates to mining machines. It has for its object toprovide an improved feeding mechanism for such a machine. A furtherobject of my invention is to provide an improved feeding mechanism for amining machine of t-he type slidable on a mine bottom and'utilizing aplurality of 4flexible feeding portions, wherein through improvedreversible feeding mechanism and improved controlling mechanism thereforit is made possible to control the speed and direction of feed relativeto said portions in an improved manner. A still further object of minvention is to provide improved reversifile friction mechanismincluding a plurality of frictions, whereby it is made possiblesimultaneously to vary the direction and speed of feed, and whereinthrough the provision of improved controlling means in- .tluding meansfor limiting the loading of the different frictions disposed in thedifferent feeds to' different amounts, it is made possible to protectthe mechanism from abuse in the hands of an ignorant operator. These andother obiects and advantages of my improved construction will, however,hereinafter more, fully appear. I

In the accompanying drawings I have shown for purposes of illustrationone embodiment which my invention may assume in practice.

In these drawings,- l Fig. 1 is a plan view, partly broken away, of thecomplete machine. Fig. 2 is a partial longitudinal vertical sectiontaken substantially on the line 2:-2, Figs. 1 and 3.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged planview, partly in,

section, of the transmission mechanism for actuating the feeding means.

Fig. 4 is a detail rear elevation of the selective transmission gears,portions of the framework being shown in section.

Fig. 5 is a detail sectional view on line 5-5 of Fig. 3. y p

Fig. 6 is a detail sectional view on line 6-6 ofFig. 1.

The invention is herein illustrated as embodied in a mining machine ofthe familiar room and pillar type, said machine, as is usual in machinesof this type, comprising a 'body from the -forward end of which projectsa lixed cutter bar 10 (see Fig. 1) carrying a cutter chain 31 providedwith cutter bits 11. The machine body comprises a motor casing 12 and agear or transmission casing 13, said casing 13` together with a suitableframework 14 therein, providing the necessary bearings, guides,housings, and supports for the variousl parts of the feeding mechanism,ext cept as hereinafter pointed out. The machine body is provided at itsunder side with a shoe or base plate 15 upon which the machine is slidacross the mine bottom as the cut progresses. Within the motor casing 12is an electric or .other motor (not shown) which operates, throughtransmission mechanism hereinafter described, to actuate the cutterchain and the feeding means for the apparatus, said feeding meansincluding a feed chain 16 secured at its ends to suitable jacks or othersecuring devices (not shown) at opposite ends of the path .of travel ofthe machine, said chain passing over a guide roller or sprocket 17 atthe rear of the machine, a feed operating member or sprocket 18 withinthe casing 13, and guide rollers yor sprockets 19 and 20 at the side ofthe machine adjacent the rear and front ends thereof, respectively. Theparts thus far referred to, as to their. general organization,arrangement, and

' function are well known in the art and, ex-

cept as hereinafter pointed out, require no further description indetail.

Referring to Fig. 2, the motor shaft 21 has fast thereon a beveled gear22 which meshes with a beveled gear 23 having 'a hub 25 splined to a.vertical shaft 24 journaled in suitable bearings in the framework.

Mounted on the shaft 24 for rotation therewith is a pinion 26 whichmeshes with a, gear 27 loosely mounted on a fixed vertical shaft 28suitably supported in the frame- Work. The gear 27 is formed with a hub29 on which is mounted a sprocket 3() for driving the cutter chain 31,Isaid sprocket being adapted to be clutched. to said hub by means of asuitable clutch mechanism indicated by the numeral 32. Such clutchmechanism, being usual in machines of this'type, is not illustrated indetail herein.

Fast on the shaft 24 is a small spur gear or pinion 33'(.see also Fig.4) which meshes with a largerl spur gear 34 fast on a short shaft 35journaled in the framework and arranged parallel to the shaft-24. Faston the shafts 24 and 35, respectively, are worm or spiral gears 36 and37, the pitch of the former being considerably greater than that of thelatter. Meshing with the gears 36 and 37, respectively, are cooperatingworm or spiral gears 38 and 39 (see Fig. 3), loosely mounted on a hollowshaft'40 journaled in the framework. From the foregoing it will be seenthat the gear 36 is directly rotated by the shaft 24, while the gear 37is rotated through the gears 33 and 34 in the opposite direction land ata reduced speed. Also, by reason of the difference in pitch ofthe gears36 and 37, the gear 38 will be driven at a greater speed with respectto` the gear 36 than that of the gear 39 with respect to the gear 37 .vlt will, therefore, be seen that the gears` 38 and 39 will be rotatedin: opposite directions and atvrelatively fast and slow speeds,respectively, the' speed of the gear 39 being considerably less thanthat of the gear 38.-

The gears= 38 and 39 may be yieldingl clutched to the shaft 40 to causesaid sha t tol be rotated in one direction at a relatively fast speedorin the o posite direction at a relatively slow spee by means of diskfriction clutches 41y and 42, respectively. For alternatively operating`said clutches, there is rovided on 'the shaft 40 aclutch controllingsleeve 43 located between the clutches and movable in oppositedirections to operatesaid clutchesy respectively. Said controllingsleeve 43 is connected by a pin or,bolt 44, passing through slots 45 inthe shaft. 40, with one end of a slide -or core 46 vided forlongitudinal |movement in the axial bore 47 of the shaft, 40. Theopposite end o f the core or slide 46 is connected, by a bolt or in 48passing through-slots 49 in the sha t 40, with .a collar 50 having agroove in which is rotatably mounted a trunnion ring 51 connected to oneend of a lever 52 pivoted at '53 to the framework. At its opposite endthe lever 52 is pivoted to a rod 54 guided for longitudinal movement inthe framework, said rod havingathreaded portion on which are mountedadjustable stop nuts 55 adapted to engage fixed portions of theframework to limit the longitudnal movement of said rod in bothdirections, thereby limitin the force or pressure which'may be applic tothe clutches 41 and clutch hub 71 having 42, i. e., limitin the loadingof these friction clutches. rranged parallel to the rod 54 is a secondlongitudinally movable rod 56 havin'g threaded end portions on which areadjustably mounted nuts 57 having cy'lindrical portions sliding insuitable guides in the framework. The rod 56 has .a central enlargedportion 58 at the opposite ends of which are slidably mounted on saidrod sleeves 58a having, adjacentv their ends, flanges 59` between whichand the nuts 57 are interposed springs 60, the tension of said springs,respectively, beingv independently adjustable by the nuts 57. Adjustablyretained on the rod 54, by means of nuts 61 on the threaded portionthereof, is a crosshead 62 having sliding engagement with theenlargement on the rod 56. As will nowbe seen, longitudinal movement ofthe rod 56 in either direction will cause one l or the other of theflanges 59 on the sleeves 58a to engage the crosshead 62 with a yieldingpressure determined by the adjustment of the corresponding spring bymeansv of its nt 57. This yielding pressure is transmitted through therod 54, lever 52, slide 46, and clutch controller 43, toY one or theother of the friction clutches 41 and 42, depending upon the directionlof movement of the rod 56. The distance between the flanges 59` ispreferably somewhat greater than the width of the crosshead 62,permitting a slight lost motion between these parts. This arrangementprovides additional means for varying the re ative pressure applied tothe several friction clutches, since, b adjusting said crosshead 62longitudina ly of the shaft 54 by means of the nuts 61,` the.

pressure exerted through the mechanism upon the clutches 41 and42,.respect1ve1y, du to longitudinal movement of thi v od 56 into onepredetermined extreme` position or the other, may be varied.

For the purpose of moving the rod 56 as above referred to, Vsaid rod ispivoted at Lits end to the inner end of a lever 63 fulcrumed at 64 on`the framework, said lever being provided at its outer end with anoperatin handle 65 (see Fig, 1). Latches .66 are pre erablyprovided forretaining the lever 63 in either extreme position of adjustment.

lSplined or otherwise secured to the shaft 40is a beveled gear67 (seeFig. 3) meshing with beveled gears 68 and 69 loosely mounted on a shaft70 suitably journaled in the framework.. The beveled Gears 68 and 69 maybey alternatively clutched to the shaft 70, to cause rotation of saidshaft in opposite directions, by means of a doublefaced a s linedconnection with the shaft 70 and 'shdable thereon to cause clutch facesat its opposite ends to engage cooperating clutch faces on the gears 68and 69, respectively. The clutch hub 71v is operated by a clutch fork 72on a rock shaft 73 (see Figs. 1 and 6) having an arm 74 connected by arod 75 with an arm 76 on asecond rock shaft 77 journaled in suitablebrackets on the framework, said rock shaft 77 having an arm 78 connectedby a link 79 with van eccentric 80 rotatably mounted inthe framework,said eccentric being provided with an operating handle 81` Fast on theend of-the shaft 70 is a beveled gear 82 which meshes with a beveledgear 83 rotatably mounted in the framework. Said beveled gear 83 has apinion portion 84 which meshes with a gear 85, also journaled in theframework and having a pinion. portion 86 which meshes with a gear 87fast on the hub of the feed sprocket 18, which is rotatably mounted onthe shaft 28.

The operation of the mechanism above described is as follows: `With thehandle in the position sholwn in full lines in Fig. 11 the mechanism isadjusted for a relatively fast feed, said lever acting through the rod56 and nut 57 shown at the top in Fig.

, 3, to compress the corresponding spring 60,

sition, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1, the

opposite spring 60 is compressed, the tension of this spring beingtransmitted, through the connections above referred to, to the clutch42, thereby yieldingly connect.- ing the gear 39 to the shaft 40,whereupon said shaft will be rotated in the opposite direction and at areduced speed from the shaft 24 through the gears ,33, 34, 37, and

39. Rotation of the shaft 40 is transmitted, through the gears 67 and 68or 69, to the I shaft 70,v and thence, through the gears 82,

83, 84, 85, 86, and 87, to the feed sprocket 18, thereby rotating saidsprocket at a speed and in a direction determined by the adjustment ofthe lever- 63. Should it be desired to change the direction of feedwithout-V changing the feeding speed, the lever 81 may be operated toshift the clutch hub 71,

ent means automatically limiting the loading of the different frictionsto different amounts, the feeding mechanism is effectually protected ineither operation thereof and in a manner preventing 'such abuse of themechanism by an ignorant operator as might otherwise occur if it werepossible for one or both of the frictions to be loaded to an extentdependent upon the strength of the operator. Further, it will be notedthat through the disposition of the controlling means within the machinecasing, access thereto or tampering therewith-by the operators after theadjustment. has been made in the shop, is obviated. These and otheradvantages of my improved construction will` however, be clearlyapparent to those skilled in the art.

ln this case f do not claim broadly the various features of the feedingmechanism, the same being claimed in claims of different scope in mycopending applications, Ren. Ser. Nos. 555,916, filed April 21, 1922,and 224,072,'filed May 12, 1923, nor do l claim broadly herein themultiple friction mechanism, this subject matter being claimed in claims'of different scope in my copending applications Ser. No. 225,340, filedMarch 2s, 191s.

It is to be noted that in referring in the appended claims to loadinglimits7 for 'friction clutches, friction mechanism-s, friction devices.etc., my reference is not to the maximum turques ltransmissible throughsuch devices before slipping occurs, but to the maximum or limitpressures which may be exerted upon the component elements of suchclutches, etc. to cause their frictional engagement and which anoperator cannot cause to be exceeded by manipulatien of the controllingVmeans, and it is with this last sense that such terms'are used.

While I have in this application specifically. described one embodimentof my invention, it will be understood that this form of the same isused for illustrative purposes, and that the invention may be modifiedand embodied in various other forms without departing from its spirit orthe scope of the appended claims.

l/Vhat claim as newJ and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A mining machinelslidable on a mine bottoml comprising a machineframe, ilexible feeding mea-ns including advance and receding portionsextending in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame,and feed operating means for feedmg said machine at different speedsrelative 4to said fiexible feeding means including fast and slow feedmechanisms and friction devices having different predetermined loadinglimits and located respectively one only in thefast andv one only in theslow feed mechanism.

2. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a machineframe, flexible feeding means\including advance and receding portionsextending in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame,and feed operating means for feedingv said machine at different speedsand in opposite directions relative to said flexible feeding meansincluding fast-and slow feed mechanisms and friction devices havingdifferent predetermined loading limits and- `mechanisms and frictiondevices having different predetermined loading limits and locatedrespectively one only'in the fast andl one only in the slowfeedmechanism.

4. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a machineframe, flexible feeding means including advance and receding portionsextending in opposite directions from the opposite endsv of said frame,and feed operating means for feeding said frame in one directionrelative to said portions and reversely at a predetermined cuttingispeed and at a higher speed along said receding portion, said meansincluding a fast feed friction and a slow feed friction each having adifferent predetermined loading limit and operator controlled loadingmeans and respectively controlling power transmission during fast andslow feed.

5. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a machineframe, iexible feeding means including advance and receding portionsextending in opposite directions from the opposite ends of said ingsaid'frame at a plurality of speeds in one direction relative to saidportions'and reversely at a predetermined cutting speed and at a higherspeed along said receding portion, said means including a fast feedfriction and a slow feed friction each having a differentpredeterminedloading limit and operator controlled loading means and respectivelycontrolling power transmission during fast and slow feed.

6. The combination with a 'mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, andilexible feeding means therefor, of feed Operating means operative topropel said machine at different speeds relative to said flexiblefeeding means and including a high speed friction and a -low speedfriction, controlling means for said frictions, and means fqr providingdifferent predetermined pressure limits for said frictions disposedbetween the same and said controlling means and limiting the extent towhich an operator can load said frictions.

7. The combination with. a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, andflexible feeding means therefor, of feed operating means operative topropel said machine in different directions relative toy said flexiblefeeding means and including a forward friction and a reverse friction, asingle controlling member for said frictions, and means for Aprovidingdifferent predetermined pressure limits for said frictions disposedbetween the same and said controlling member and limiting the extent towhich an operator can load said frictions.

8. In combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, andfiexiblefeeding means therefor, of feed operating means operative topropel said machine at different speeds relative to said flexiblefeeding means and including a high speed fric-tion and a lowspeed'friction, controlling-means for said frictions, means forproviding different predetermined pressure limits for said frictionsdisposed between the same and said controlling means and limiting theextent to which an operator can load said frictions, and independentfeed reversing means. l

9. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, andfiexible feeding means therefor, of feed oper# ating means operative topropel said machine in different directions relative'to said flexiblefeeding means and including al forward friction and a reverse friction,a single controlling member for saidy frictions, means for providingdifferent predetermined pressure limits for said frictions dis-l posedbetween the same and said controlwhich an operator can load saidfrictions,

and independent feed reversing means. frame, and feed operating meansfor feed- 10. The combination With a mining machiney slidable on a minebottom, and ilexible feeding means therefor, of feed operating meansoperative .to propel said machine 'at different speeds and in oppositedirections relative to said flexible feeding means and including ahighspeed friction and a low speed friction, controlling means for saidfrictions, means.for providing different predetermined pressure limitsfor said frictions disposed between the same and said controlling 'meansand limiting the extent to which an operator canV load said frictionsand independent feed reversing means..

11. The combination with va mining machine slidable on a mine bottom,andlexible feeding means therefor having advance ling member andlimiting the extent to .no

and receding portions, of feed operating means operated to propel saidmachine in opposite directions relative to said receding ortionincluding a friction device connectlble therein when feeding in onedirection and a separate friction device having a differentpredetermined loading limit connectible therein Whenfeeding in theopposite direction, `said friction devices being connectible in said,feedI operating means only alternatively.

12. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, andflexible feeding means therefor comprising a continuous flexible feedingmember having advance and receding portions, of feed operating meansoperative to propel said machine in opposite directions relative to saidflexible feeding means including a friction device connectible thereinwhen feeding in one direction and a separate friction device having adifferent predetermined loading limit connectible therein when feedingin the opposite direction, said' friction devices being connectible insaid feed operating means only alternatively.

13. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, anda ilexible feeding means therefor having advance and receding portions,of a feed operating means operative to propelv said machine in oppositedirections relative to said receding ortion at a predetermined cuttingspeed including a friction device connectible therein when feeding inone direction and a separate friction, device having a differentpredetermined loading limit connectible' therein when 'feeding in theopposite direction, said friction devices being connectible in said feedoperating means only alternatively. l

14. The' combination with' a mining machine slidable on a mine bottomand flex- -ible feeding means therefor, of feed -operating meansoperative to propel said machine in opposite directions relative to saidflexible feeding means including a friction device connectible thereinwhen feeding in one direction and a separate friction device having adifferent predetermined loading limit connectible thereinwlien feedingin the opposite direction, and controlling means for both frictionshaving but a single operating member operative in dilferent positions toeffect loading of said different frictions.

15. The combination vWith amining machine slidable on a mine bottom andflexible feeding means therefor, of feed operating means operative topropel said-machine in opposite directions relative to said flexiblefeeding means, including a friction device connectible therein whenfeeding in one direction and a separate friction device connectibletherein when feeding in the op- I therein when feeding posite direction,controlling means for both frictions having but a single operatingmember, and load limiting springs of different strengthbetween saidmember and said frictions.

16. The combination With a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, andflexible feeding means therefor, of feed operating means operative topropel said machine in opposite directions 'relative to said lflexiblefeeding means including a friction device connectible therein whenfeeding in one direction, a separate friction device having a differentvpredetermined loading limit connectible ther-ein when feeding in theopposite direction, said friction devices being connectible in said feedoperating means only alternatively, and supplementary reversecontrolling means.

17. The combination with a mining machine slidable 'gn a mine bottom,and flexible feeding means therefor, of feed operating means operativeto propel said machine in opposite directions at differentspeeds-relative to said flexible feeding means including a frictiondevice connectible therein when feedin in one direction, a separatefriction device having a different predetermined loading limitconnectible in the direction, said friction devices being connectible insaid feed operating means only alternatively, and supplementary reversecontrollin means.

18. The com ination with a mining -machine having cutting mechanism anslidable on a mine bottom, and a flexible feeding means therefor forfeeding the same laterally along a mine face during cutting includingadvance and receding portions, of actuating mechanism for said feedingmeans including a plurality of alternatively operative sets of Wormgearing each adapted .to produce a differentfeeding speed, and aseparate frictional clutch controlling each set of Worm gearing.

19. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, andflexible feeding means therefor operative to feed the same transverselyof a mine face during cutting and including advance land recedingportions, of actuating mechanism for said feeding means including aplurality of shafts, an additional shaft, av

plurality of sets of Worm gearing-each adapted to produce a differentfeeding speed and each vincluding a member on one of said first namedshafts and a member on said additional shaft, and clutches forconnecting said last named members respectively to said last namedshaft.

20. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, anflexible feeding means therefor operative to feed the same transverselyof a mine face during cutting and including advance and recedingportions, of actuating mechanism for said feeding means including aplurality of pairs of driving elements each adapted to produce adifferent feeding speed, a shaft on which one of lthe elements of eachof said pairs is mounted, and different friction disc clutches forconnecting said last named elements respectively to said shaft, theother elements of said pairs rotating on parallel axes.

2l. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, andflexible feeding means operative to feed the same transversely of a mineface during cutting and including advance and receding portions, ofactuating mechanism for'said feeding means including a plurality ofshafts, an additional shaft, a plurality of sets of worm gearing eachadapted to produce a different feeding speed and each including a memberon one of said first named shafts and -a member on said additionalshaft, and different friction disc clutches for connecting said lastnamed members respectively to said last named shaft 22. The combinationwith a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, and

flexible feeding means operative to feed the same transversely of a mineface during cutting and including advance and receding portions,` pfactuating mechanism for said feeding means including two pairs ofdriving elements adapted respectively to produce a fast and a-slowfeeding speed, a shaft| on.-

valternatively operable frictional means respectively controlling saidmechanisms and having resilient mechanisms maintaining a differentpredetermined loading limit for each feed. v v

24. The combination with a .'mining machine slidable on a mine bottom,and flexible feeding means therefor including advance and recedingportions, ofl feed operating means for propelling said machine relativeto' said portions including forward and reverse feed mechanismsoperative to feed said machine along either of the portions at differentspeeds, and alternatively operable fric-tional means respectivelycontrolling said mechanisms and having resilient mechanisms maintaininga different predetermined loading limit for each feed.

25. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a minebottom, andflexible feeding means therefor including advance and receding portions,of feed operating means for propelling said machine relative to saidportions including a plurality of feeding mechanisms, and alternativelyoperable frictional means, respectively controlling said mechanisms andhaving resilient mechanisms maintaining a different' predeterminedloadin limit for each feed and provision for adjusting said limits.

26. The combination with a mining machineslidable on a mine bottom, andflexible feeding. means therefor including advance and recedingportions, of feed operating means for z propelling said machine.relative to said portions including a plurality of feeding mechanisms,alternatively operable,

frictional means respectively controlling said mechanisms and havinglresilient mechanisms maintaining a different predetermined loading limitfor each feed, and controlling means for said frictional meanscomprising a single operating member.

27. The combination with a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, andflexible feeding means therefor including advance and' recedingportions, of feed operating so p means for propelling said machinerelative to said portions including a plurality of feeding mechanisms,frictional means'controlling said mechanisms and hav' n resilientloading means providing a different predetermined loading limit for eachfeed, and controlling means for said frictional means comprismg a singleoperating member movable in opposite directionsto cause said resilientloading means to load differ-` .ent feeds.

28. In a room and pillar-mining machine,

a frame including a longitudinally disposed motor and slidable over amine bottom during cutting, cuttin mechanism including a cutter chaincarrying cutter bar projecting from one end of said frame, drivingconpitch operatively connected with one another by intermeshing spurgears of different sizes, saidv worm gears being alternatively operativeas drivingv elements, and cooperating elements driven by said worm gearsand rotatable on horizontal axes extending transversely relative to saidmotor and in front of said intermeshing spur gears. 4

29. In a room and pillar mining machine, a frame including alongitudinally disposed motor and slidable over a mine bottom duringcutting, cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrylng cutter barprojecting from one end of said frame, driving connections between saidchain and motor, and. feeding mechanism for moving said machine bodilytowards and from aworking face and bodily transversely thereof duringcutting includin flexible feeding means comprising a plurahtyof flexibleportions having free extremities adapted for connection to fixed pointsand means for winding in either of said portions at'a cutting speed orat a higher speed including winding means cooperating with said flexiblefeeding means and driving mechanism therefor driven by said motor andincluding a plurality of worms of different pitch operatively connectedwith one another 'by intermeshing spur gears of different sizes, saidworms being rotatable on vertical axes and alternatively operative asdrivingyelements, and cooperating worm wheels driven by said worms androtatable on a horizontal axisextending transversely relative to saidmotor and in front of said vertical axes.

30. ln a room and pillar miningfmachine, a frame including alongitudinally disposed motor and slidable over a mine bottom du'ringcutting, cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter barprojecting from one "end of said frame, driving connections between saidchain and motor, and feeding mechanism for moving said machine bodilytowards and from a working face and bodily transversely thereof duringcutting including flexible feeding means comprising a plurality offlexible portions having free extremities adapted for connection tofixed points, and adapted alternatively to constitute advance and'receding portions, and means driven by said motor for winding in eitherof said portions while it is constituting an advance portion at aplurality of speeds without reversal of the -motor including windingmeans cooperating with said portion and driving connections thereforincluding a plurality of worms of different pitch rotating on verticalaxes to the rear of the motor and connected with one another byintermeshing spur gears of different sizes and alternatively operativeas driving elements, cooperating mutually coaxial worm wheels driven bysaid worms and rotating on a transverse axis intermediate said motor andsaid vertical axes, and clutch mechanism coaxial with said worm wheelsand including means for effecting engagement lof said clutchesreciprocable axially of the latter. y

31. In a room and pillar mining machine having cutting mechanism andslidable on a mine bottom, feeding mechanism for feed ing the samelaterally along a mine face during cutting including flexible feedingmeans having advance and receding portions, feed operating meanscooperating with said flexible feeding means, and driving -mechanism forsaid feed operating means operativel to cause the saine to wind ineither of said portions at a plurality of speeds including a pluralityof worms of different pitch alternatively operative as driving elements,cooperating gears driven thereby and coaxial with respect to each other,a hollow shaft extending axially through said cooperating gears, aplurality of clutches comprising element-s rotating with saidcooperating gears and elements connectible therewith, and a clutchoperating elementmovable in said hollow shaft, said worm`gears beingoperatively connected with one another by intermeshing spur gearssprocket, and feeding mechanism for feeding said machine transverselyduring cutting including flexible feeding means comprising oppositelyextending flexible portions, cooperating feed operating means, anddriving mechanism for the latter including a plurality of worms'ofdifferent pitch operatively connected withfone another by inter-'meshin'g spur gears of different sizes and alternatively operative asdriving elements.

33. In a room and pillar mining machine comprising a frame including amotor and slidable on a mine bottom, cuttingmechanism including a cutterchain driving sprocket, driving connections therefor including a bevelgear driven by said motor, a Spur gear rotatable with said bevel gear,and a cooperating spur gear coaxial with said sprocket, and feedingmechanism for feeding said machine transversely during cutting includingfiexible feeding meansv comprising oppositely extending flexibleportions, feed operating` means operative to wind in one or the otliei`of said portions, and driving mechanism for said feed operating meansrotatable by one of the elements of said sprocket drive and including aplurality of worms of different pitch operatively connected with oneanother by-intermeshing spur gears of different sizes and alternativelyoperative as driving elements, a plurality of mutually coaxial wormwheels driven by said worms, and friction clutch means selectivelyoperableto cause one| or the other of said worm wheels to constitute adriving element.

loading limits for different frictions 34. Ina mining machine, thecombination with a feed operating member, of fast and slow speed drivingmechanisms therefor, a different operator loaded friction included ineach mechanism, and load limiting means for each friction, establishingdifferent predetermined loading limits for different fricltions beyondwhich the same cannot be loaded by an operator.

35. In amining machine, the combination with a feed operating member, offast and slow speed driving mechanisms therefor selectively operative todrive said member in opposite directions, a different operator loadedfriction included in each mechanism,

and load limiting means for each frictionl `with a feedoperating-member, of fast and yslow speed driving mechanisms thereforselectively operative to drive said member in opposite directions, adifferent operator loaded friction included in each mechanism, a singlecontrolling member, and load limiting means for each frictionestablishing different predeterminedloading limits for differentfrictions and disposed between said member and each friction.

38. In a mining machine, the combination with a feedoperating member, offast and slow speed driving mechanisms therefor a different operatorloaded, friction included in each mechanism, a single controllingmember, a single friction actuating member,

vand' load limiting means for said frictions establishing differentpredetermined load- .ing limits for different frictions and disposedbetween said members.

39. In a mining machine, the combination with a feedoperating member, offast and slow speed driving mechanisms therefor selectively operative todrive said member -in opposite directions, a different operator loadedfriction included in each mechanism,

a single controlling member, a singley friction actuating member, andload limiting means for said frictions establishing differentpredetermined loading limits for differreit frictions and disposedbetween said mem- 40. In a mining machine, the combination with yfeedingmeans, of actuating mechanism therefor including a shaft, a pair ofworm-gears on said shaft, a second pair of Worm gears cooperating withsaid first named worm gears respectively, said 4last named worm 'gearsbeing of. different pitch and being operatively connected with eachother by intermesh-ing spur gears of different sizes, means foralternatively clutching said rst named worm gears to said shaft, abeveled gear on said shaft, a second shaft, a pair of beveled gears onsaid second shaft, and means` for alternatively connecting said lastnamed beveled gears with said first named beveled gear.

41. In a mining machine, the combination. with feeding means, oftransmission mechanisml foractuatingsaid feeding means including aplurality of alternatively -operative drivin pluralityo feeding speeds,each of said lconnections including a different operator loadedfrictionclutch for rendering the same operative vor inoperative, andyieldingme'ansl for controlling said clutchesrespectively,`automatically operative to provide different,predetermined loading limits when said mechanism is driven at differentspeeds.'

42j? In a mining machine, the combination f with feedingt means,of-reversible transmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means,said -transmission mechanism havin provision for producing a pluralityof feedging speeds and including friction clutch mechanism forcontrolling both the direction of feed and the feedingspeed comprising apair of alternatively operative friction clutches, and yielding meansfor controlling said clutch mechanism automatically operative ltoprovide different 'predetermined loadin limits When said mechanism isdriven yat gdifferent speeds'. 43. Ina mining machine, the combination,with feeding means', of transmission mecha- -nism for actuating saidfeeding means and including a friction clutch, and controlling meanstherefor comprising a longitudinally 4movable rod operatively connectedwith said clutch, a second longitudinally movable rod arranged parallelto said first named rod, operating means for said last named rod, animeans for yieldingly connecting said ro s.

44. In a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and connectionsfor. producing a asv inviami including a friction clutch, andcontrolling means therefor comprising a longitudinally movable rodoperatively connected with saidclutch, a second longitudinally movablerod arranged parallel to said first named rod, operating means for saidlast named rod, means for yieldingly connecting said rods, and means foradjustably connecting said last named means to one of said rods.

45. ln a mining machine, the combina-tion with feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including afriction clutch, and controlling means therefor comprising alongitudinally movable rod operatively connected with said clutch, asecond longitudinally movable rod arranged'parallel to said first namedrod, operating means for said last named rod, a crosshead yieldinglycarried by one of said rods, and a pair of nuts on the other of saidrods between which said crosshead is retained.

4-6. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including afriction clutch, and controlling means therefor comprising a pair ofparallel longitudinally movable rods, means for operatively connectingone of said rods with said clutch, operating means for the other of saidrods, and means yieldingly connected to one of said rods for operativelyconnecting said rods with each other.

47. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feedin means and including afriction clutch, an controlling means comprisin a pair of parallellongitudinally movablge rods, means lfor operatively connecting one ofsaid rods with said clutch, operating 'means for the other of said rods,and means for operatively connecting said rods with 'each other, saidmeans comprisin a member yieldingly connected to one o said rods andadgustably connected to the other of said rods.

a8. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, 'oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including afriction clutch, and controlling means comprising a'p'air of parallellongitudinally movable rods, means for operatively connecting one ofsaid rods With said clutch, operating means for the vother of said rods,a flanged sleeve slidably mounted on one of said rods, a springconnecting said sleeve and rod, and a connectin member carried by theother of said ro s and cooperating With the dange on said sleeve.

e9. ln a mining machine, the combination feeding means, of `transmissionmechanism for actuating said feedin means and iding a friction clutch,an controlling as comprising a pair of parallel longi- 'tnninallymovable rods,l means for operatively connecting one of said rods withsaid clutch, operating means for the other of said rods, ailanged'sleeve slidably mounted on one of said rods, a spring connectingsaid sleeve and rod, and a crosshead slidably mounted relative to saidsleeve and engageable by the flange thereof, said crosshead beingconnected with the other of said rods.

50. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including afriction clutch, and controlling means comprising a pair of parallellongitudinally movable rods, means for operatively connecting one ofsaid rods' with said clutch, operating means for the other of said.rods, a flanged sleeve slidably mounted on one of said rods, a springconnecting said sleeve and rod, a crosshead slidably mounted relative tosaid sleeve and engageable by the flange thereof, and a pair of nuts onthe other of said rods between which said crosshead is retained.

5l. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, oftransmission mechanismfor actuating said feeding means and including aplurality of friction clutches, and controlling means comprising alongitudinally movable rod, operating means for said rod, slidingsleeves on said rod, means for operatively connecting said sleeves andclutches, nuts on said rod, and springs interposed between said nuts andsleeves.

52. ln a mining machine, the combination With feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuatin said feeding means and including africtiony clutch, and controlling means comprising a pair of parallellongitudinally movable rods, means for operatively connecting one ,ofsaid rods 'with said clutch, operating means for the other of said rods,a flanged sleeve slidably mounted on one of said rods, a nut on saidlast named rod, a spring interposed between said nut and sleeve, and .aconnecting member carried by the other of said rods and cooperating withthe dange on said sleeve.

53. ln a mining machine, the combination with. feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including aplurality of alternatively operable friction clutches, and controllingmeans comprising a `member movable in did'erei'ity directions to operatesaid clutches respectively and yielding means for operating said memberin diderent directions and limiting loading. y

54. ln a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including a'plurality of driving conn-sctions each adapted produce a differentfeeding speed, a frietion for control,- ling each of said ins,and-contreiling means comprising ..-..cmber movable in differentdirections to `operate different clutches respectively and yieldingmeans for operating said member in different directions operative tolimit the loading of said clutches. v

55. In a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and includingtwo pa1rs of driving elements `adapted respectively to produce a fastand a slow feeding speed, a shaft on which one of the elements of eachof said pairs is mounted, friction disk clutches for connecting saidlast named elements respectively to' said shaft, a controller on saidshaft between said clutches and oppositely movable thereon to controlsaid clutches respectively,vand Tielding means for moving saidcontroller in oth directions.

56. In a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including aplurality of alternatively operable frictionclutches, and controllingmeans comprising a longitudinally movable rod, means whereby movement ofsaid rod in opposite .directions causes operation of said clutchesrespectively,a second longitudinally movable rod arranged parallel tosaid first named rod, operating meansfor said last named rod, and meansfor yieldingly con- /necting said rods for movement in both di,

rections.

57. In a mining machine, the combination with feedingieans, oftransmission mechanism for 'actuatin said feeding means and including aplurality of alternatively operable 'friction clutches, and manuallyoperable controlling means therefor comprising a plurality of springsand connections for operating' --said clutches respectively, and meansfor separately adjusting the tension of said springs.

58. In a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and including aplurality of alternatively operable friction clutches, and controllingmeans comprising a member movable. in different directions to operatesaid clutches respectively, and yielding means providing differentpredetermined loading limits for different clutches and having a lostmotion connectionwith said member for operating the same.

59. In a mining machine, the combination with feeding means, oftransmission mechanism for actuating said feeding means and lincluding aplurality of alternatively operable friction clutches, and controllingmeans comprising a pair of parallel longitudinally movable rods, meansfor. o ratively connecting one of said rods with said clutches, saidlast named rod being movable in opposite directions to operate saidclutches respectively, operating means for the other of said rods, apair of flanged sleeves slidably mounted on one of said rods, springsconnecting said sleeves respectively with said rod for yielding movementtherewith, and a connecting member carried by the other of said rods andengaged by the flange on one tion clutches, and controlling meanscomprising a pair of parallel longitudinally movable rods, means foroperatively connecting one of said rods with Said clutches, said lastnamedy rod being movable in opposite directions to operate said clutchesrespectively, operating means for the other of said rods, a pair offlanged sleeves slidably mounted on one of said rods, said'rod having anenlargement engaged by said sleeves,`nuts on said last named rod, aspring interposed between each ofl said nuts and the 'adjacent sleeve, acrosshead slidabl mounted on said enlargement/and enga dy by the flangeon one or the other of sai sleeves as said crosshead and sleeves arerelatively moved in opposite directions, and a pair-of nuts on the otherof said rods ,between which said crosshead is retained.

61. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a feed operatingmember, fast and slow speed driving mechanism therefor selectivelyoperative to drive said membe'r including a plurality of. frictionclutches, a single clutch contro ing member, operative connectionsbetween said member Iland each clutch `for limitin the load applied toeach clutch to a diiig ing at will the direction of feed.

62. In a mining machine, feeding mechanism including a feed operatingmember, fast and'slow speed driving mechanisms therefor selectiveloperative to drive. said member in opposite directions and including aplurality 'of friction clutches, a single clutch erent predeterminedamount, and supplemental means for reversv lill@ ing of said frictionclutch mechanism, and pressure limiting means for said friction clutchmechanism including a plurality of springs alternatively operative totransmit power from saidrst mentioned member to said second mentionedmember.

64:.k In a mining machine slidable overI the mine bottom during cutting,thejcomb nation with a feed operating member., of fast and slow speeddriving mechanisms therefor selectively operative to drive said member,and controlling mechanism therefor including friction clutch mechanism,a single controlling member, a member whose move- `ments in oppositedirections control the loading of said friction clutch mechanism, andpressure limiting means for said friction clutch mechanism including aplurality of springs for moving said second mentioned member in oppositedirections and alternatively operative to cause the same to load said`friction mechanism, and means for maintaining said first mentioned-member in opposite definite positions.

65. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cuttingmechanism including a projecting cutter bar and flexible feedingmechanism yincluding a plurality of flexible feeding portions adapted toact on 'the opposite ends of the machine'frame and having freeextremities adapted for eonnection to fixed points, a motor operativelyconnected to .said-cutting mechanism, and means driyen by said motor andincluding elements selectively' connectible thereto for drawing ineither portion automatically at the -saine predetermined cutting speedland at a predetermined higher speed, said means and said includedelements including a mem-v ber rotatable on a horizontal axis extendingtransversely of the machine at the opposite end of the motor from thecutter bar, and worm driving meansV for saidA member includin a wormwheel coaxial therewith.

66. vmachine slidable on a mine Abottom comprising cutting mechanismincluding a projecting cutter bar and-flexible feeding mechanismincluding -a plurality of iiexible feeding portions adapted to act onthe opposite .ends of the machine frame and having free extremitiesadapted for connection to fixed points, a motnr operatively connected tosaid; cutting mechanism, and means driven by' said motoimand ,includingelements selectively connectible. thereto for drawing in either portionautomatically at I -a predetermined cutting speed and at the samepredetermined higher speed, said means and said includedelementsincluding a meinber rotatable on a horizontal axis extendingtransversely ofthe machine at the` opposite end of the motor from thecutter bar, worm driving means for said member including a worm wheelcoaxial therewith, and elements selectively connectible to, said motorthrough said member.

67. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cuttingmechanism including a projecting cutter bar and flexible feedingmechanism including a plurality of flexible Afeeding portions adapted toact on the opposite ends of the machine frame and having freeextremities adaptedy for connection to fixed points, a motor operativelyconnected to said cutting mechanism, and means driven by said motor andincluding elements selective y connectible thereto for drawing in eitherportion automatically at the same predetermined cutting speed and at thesame predetermined higher speed, said means and its included elementsincluding a shaft rotatable on a horizontal transverse axis disposed atthe opposite end of the motor from the cutter bar, and frictioncontrolled plurals eed driving mechanism for said shaft inc udin gearelements arranged coaxially therewith `and clutch mechanism coaxial withsaid shaft and shiftable oppositely longitudinally thereof `to effectdriving of said shaft at said predetermined cutting speed and at saidpredetermined higher speed.

68. A .mining machine slidable on a mine bottomcomprising cuttingmechanism including a projecting cutter bar and fiexiblefeedingmechanism including a plurality of flexible feeding portionsadapted to act on the opposite ends of the machine frame and having.free extremities adapted for connection to fixed points, a motoroperatively connected to said cutting mechanism, and means driven b saidmotor and including elements selective y connectible thereto for drawingin either portion automatically at a predetermined cutting s eed and ata predetermined' higher spee said means and its included elementsincluding a shaft rotatable on a horizontal transversely extending axis,friction controlled multi-speed driving gearing therefor operative todrive thesame at a plurality of predetermined speeds including gearelements coaxial therewith and a plurality of clutches also coaxialtherewith, the rotation of said shaft being'frictionally controlled ateach of said lurality of speeds, and alternatively operalfle clutchesbeyon said multi-s eed gearing and including driving clutch e ementsdriven by said shaft and driven clutch elements connectible with saiddrivin clutch elements to effect drawing in of di erent portions..

' In testimony whereof I aflix my signature.

, MORRIS PQ HOLMES.

